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Matteo Guendouzi had a pretty mixed time at Arsenal.

While he offered a lot of promise and played 82 times for the Gunners, his exit from the club was controversial and damaging to his own reputation.

Now at Lazio and impressing in Italy, the ex-Arsenal man is maturing as a player and individual, and he spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about his time at the Roman club so far.

He’s credited Aston Villa boss Unai Emery with helping him become a better player during their time together at the Emirates.

When asked about what he learned from his time in England, Guendouzi said: “A lot, also because I went there when I was only 19. But, even though I was very young, in the two years I was there I always played. Thanks to Emery I became a real player, he taught me everything.”

The Frenchman also explained that Lazio boss Marco Baroni’s style of play is very similar to that of Aston Villa boss Emery and that helps him thrive.

“Our current coach has a very similar playing philosophy to that of Emery and [Jorge] Sampaoli. They play the type of football that I like, offensive but also very organised. It is what I prefer, but it is also what excites the fans the most.”

Emery and Guendouzi are both enjoying successful spells in their careers right now, the latter believes his has a lot to thank the former for.

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